Cork Senator Laura Harmon welcomes progress on outlawing ‘sex for rent’
Cork Senator Laura Harmon welcomes progress on outlawing ‘sex for rent’ - The Labour Party
- New legislation is on the horizon for vulnerable renters
Cork Labour Senator Laura Harmon has welcomed today’s passing of legislation through the Seanad to criminalise sex-for-rent arrangements, describing it as another step towards protecting vulnerable renters and a significant step towards tackling exploitation in Ireland’s housing crisis. With legislation having passed through the Seanad today, Senator Harmon said: “Government must now ensure the Bill progresses through the final stage and that those who seek to exploit people in precarious housing situations are held accountable.
Senator Harmon said:
“This week marks an important step for vulnerable renters and for everyone who has campaigned to end the exploitative and abusive practice of sex for rent. Last year, I brought forward my own legislation to criminalise the practice of offering accommodation in exchange for sex because it was clear that existing laws were failing to protect people who were being targeted through no fault of their own.
“I welcome the fact that legislation criminalising sex for rent is now set to pass through the Oireachtas in the coming weeks. The Minister himself acknowledged that the legislation being enacted is as a result of the proposals I brought forward. A report from the National Women’s Council last year shone a stark light on how widespread this problem has become. Marginalised women, particularly those already at risk of homelessness and migrants, are being targeted by men offering accommodation in return for sex. We know that 5% of international students have also seen these ads or have been directly targeted themselves. This is happening in modern Ireland and it is a national disgrace that it has been allowed to continue for so long.
“The reality is that Ireland’s housing crisis has created conditions where some people are being targeted with offers that are coercive, degrading and exploitative. Criminalising sex for rent is about justice, dignity and protection. It is about recognising that consent cannot exist where there is a severe imbalance of power and where someone is facing the prospect of homelessness.
“We must now send the clearest possible message that this predatory behaviour will not be tolerated. The Government must ensure this legislation is implemented without delay and backed by strong enforcement measures. Labour will continue to fight for secure, affordable housing and for protections that safeguard vulnerable renters.
“This legislation will now return to the Dáil chamber for final debate scheduled for July 15th. I am urging Government to enact this important legislation.”